John R. Beck is the principal percussionist of the Winston-Salem Symphony and he teaches at the UNC School of the Arts and Wake Forest University. He regularly performs with the Brass Band of Battle Creek and the Philidor Percussion Group. His career began as a member of the United States Marine Band, and for 10 years he performed regularly with the National and Baltimore Symphonies, Washington and Baltimore Operas, and the Theater Chamber Players of the Kennedy Center.